Mill City Museum is Open - Welcome Back Neighbors

The Mill City Museum reopened today, 24 hours after the end of the State shutdown.  We were there at opening to welcome them back.

Mill City Farmers Market July 23

July 23: Pesto Fest!

Celebrate it at the Mill City Farmers Market where we are overwhelmed with the abundance of summer's harvests: sustainable fruits and veggies, pasture-raised meats, poultry, eggs and cheese; artisan chocolates, breads and treats. It's easy to fill your pantry needs at the Market, so don't forget your grocery list!

Produce Planner

At the Market this Saturday, you will find: 

Blueberries, raspberries, kohlrabi, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, summer squash, beets, salad turnips, radishes, salad mix, Swiss chard, kale, collards, rhubarb, potatoes, and MORE!

Mill City Cooks, 10am

Chef Nick Schneider demystifies pesto (it's not for basil alone!)  in a simple, summery soup with ingredients from our sponsor, Nash Brothers Trading Company.

Book Signing - All Day

Janice Cole will be signing copies of her book, " chicken and egg: a  memoir of suburban homesteading with 125 recipes "

Discover You Can!

Love local foods and want to learn more about how you can  eat local all year round?  Join us this season for CANNING demonstrations and classes!

Kids Activity - Pesto making, 10 am - 1 pm

While supplies last.

Art Market, All Day

Featuring The Ink Orchard, Plantworn, Aprilierre , and ceramics by Tom Jaszczak and Heather Wang.

Live Performance, 10 am

Minnesota Bright Stars Youth Dancers

Live Music, 11 am - 1 pm

Gypsy Mania Quartet: an exceptional stylistic dimension with prodigious improv.

CANCELED DUE TO HEAT - Tonight / Music in the Park at Father Hennepin Bluffs

An email from the Minneapolis Park Board:

Due to the heat, the concerts at Bryant Square Park and Father Hennepin Bluffs Park have been cancelled for Tuesday, July 19th.  The concert at Lake Harriet is still on, however. 

Our Recent Adventure at Real Ghost Tours

Real Ghost Tours opened earlier this year.  Dave and I went on the 90 minute tour earlier this month, and look forward to returning for the highly anticipated overnight version currently being planned.

Armed with EMF Meters and flashlights, our three guides had us wandering through both common and off-limits areas of the St. Anthony Main complex.

In a basement space, we were given dowsing rods. While holding the rods, I didn't expect anything to happen, but when one of them starting flinging around I narrowly escaped the need for a change of underwear.

Below, Melissa Wolfe monitors her dowsing rods.  Our guide called out to spirits, asking that they make themselves known by coercing the rods to move in specific directions.

At one point during the tour we were in a vacated upper floor space where our guide set up a digital audio recorder.  He asked if there were spirits present, and a few words did come through (although opinions differed on what those words were).  He mentioned that someone allegedly hung themselves in that space, at which point a member of our group blurted out that she had seen him (the hanging person) and pointed to a nearby rafter.  

Above, our guide gives some background on the people whose spirits are believed to be occupying St. Anthony Main. 

Brianna Tinjum, a member of our group, gave this review, "The Real Ghost Tours was fun! Learning some of the riverfront history, wandering the old buildings (sometimes in the dark, creepy), and getting to use gadgets you see on ghost hunting shows was a fun and interesting way to spend a Saturday evening.  I definitely recommend this tour."   I concur.

New Activity in the Mill District: City Running Tours

We learned about City Running Tours through a July 15 Twin Cities Business article.

Similar to The Fit Tourist, which offers out of town bicyclers several guided Minneapolis routes to choose from, City Running Tours is geared toward out of town runners.  Local runners should check it out to see if there's a route covering an area of the city they  otherwise may not visit.

According to the schedule on their website, City Running Tours offers 5K and 10K versions of each route, including one in our neighborhood called the 'Mill City River District Group Run'.  Check out their website and Facebook for details.

Travel Channel Celebrity at Mill City Farmers Market

While enjoying a cup of Sonny's Toffee ice cream in a shady spot this past weekend at the Mill City Farmers Market, I noticed Andrew Zimmern (of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods fame) was next in line.  I hope he wasn't too disappointed to find there were no exotic bugs or animals parts (wink) swirled into any of the flavors. Sonny's ice cream is a product of Crema Cafe.

Below, Fred Golchin of French Nugget with Andrew. 

Sights and Sounds of July 16 KidsFest at MacPhail Center for Music

This past Saturday MacPhail Center for Music was alive with joyful noises as parents and their future musicians (some still in diapers) soaked up KidsFest.  This action packed 2-hour event gave little ones a chance to experience as many string, brass and percussion instruments as they could handle.  They also got to make their own instrument to take home, and enjoy a performance by the Dakota Combo.

Below are two slide shows - one silent (the Sights) and one quite loud (the Sounds), followed by a video of the Dakota Combo.  MacPhail's talented Early Childhood Music teachers provided guidance with smiles and ease. 

(best viewed in full screen mode)

The Week Ahead in Mill City / July 18-24

Bright and early each Monday morning we be provide an easy to reference list of events and activities for the week ahead in the Mill City neighborhood.  Submit your events here...

Monday, July 18

NT Live Filmed Presentation of The Cherry Orchard at the Guthrie

Music in The Park - Nicollet Island Park

Summer Sipping at Wilde Roast Cafe to Benefit One Heartland

St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board Meeting at Mill City Museum (POSTPONED)

Arlo Guthrie at the Guthrie

Tuesday, July 19

Minneapolis Pops Orchestra Coffee Concert

Movies in the Park at Father Hennepin Bluffs

Roy Blount Jr. at Central Library

Music in The Park - Father Hennepin Bluffs

H.M.S. Pinafore Cookout at Aloft Hotel

Wednesday, July 20

Torchlight 5K

Torchlight Parade

Thursday, July 21

Mill City Live: Outdoor Music Series at Mill City Museum

Momentum: New Dance Works at the Southern Theater (3 nights)

Art Out of the Box: Samurai Styleat Minneapolis Central Library

Adult Chamber Music at MacPhail

Lunch with MacPhail

Friday, July 22

Real Ghost Tour (2 Nights) at St. Anthony Main

Torbreck Winery at Sorella

Saturday, July 23

Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour (Starts at Gold Medal Park)

Mill City Farmers Market

Minneapolis Riverfront Tour at Mill City Museum

Target Fireworks along West River Parkway

Sunday July 24

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Conversation with Mark Allen at Soap Factory

Mick Sterling and The Irresistibles at the 2011 Aquatennial Block Party

Tim Mahoney was just finishing his set when we arrived at the 2011 Aquatennial Block Party Friday night - just about the same time the rain gave out.

Having yet to see a Mick Sterling and The Irresistibles performance, we had no idea of the treat we were in for.

 

 

Week 11 at Mill City Farmers Market

For the first time since I started monitoring the progress, Mill City Farmers Market has been knocked out of first place in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest.  If you haven't voted yet, please take a minute to do so now by Clicking here.

It's not unusual to spot a local celebrity at the MCFM.  Andrew Zimmern (Bizarre Foods, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine) was there today. 

The Wizard of Minneapolis

From 247 10th Avenue S. in the Mill District of Minneapolis.

Gay Scientists Isolate Christian Gene [Video]

From Roger Ebert:

National Night Out Free Street Permit Registration Shuts Down July 19

From the Minneapolis Police Department:

We hope that talks have not stalled on your block and that you'll take advantage of the fact that you can block off your street *at no charge* through the end of the day, July 19, 2011!  This is such a good deal, about two dozen blocks have registered TWICE! :)

Many of the planned events for the NNO parties registered thus far include, simply, "talking...chatting...getting to know neighbors... catching up on things"... That's the whole point, and there'll be a whole lot of community building going on, with no budget gimmicks, posturing, or gamesmanship (OK, lots of games, but the good kind!)...

We hope you'll take a moment to register your event--for organizers of past events, you should know it will take less than 1/3 of the time it took last year. We do not require that you list all of your supporting neighbors, you just need to check a box affirming that you have their support!  Regsitering will get you the street permit placard, MOA Mystery Tickets, and some neat information on holding a "greener NNO"!  If you just have a yard party, you'll get it all, minus the permit.

Please link to the following ASAP -- https://apps.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/blockeventapp/

Don't let the midnight deadline of July 19 sneak up on you without an agreement!!  After that we can't compromise, the fee will be $100. We'd rather you spend that on comestibles for your grill, or rent for a bouncy house, or other fun stuff!

Luther Krueger, Crime Prevention Analyst 
Strategic Information and Crime Management Division (SICM) 
Minneapolis Police Department, Room 100 City Hall
350 S. 5th Street + Minneapolis MN 55415 
612-673-5371 + Luther.Krueger@ci.Minneapolis.mn.us

The MPD never sleeps.

P.S.  We are 5 registrations shy of 1000 signed up to date.  If you are event #1000 I will throw in an extra set of Twins Baseball Cards!

Guest Post: Books & Bars at the Aster Cafe - a Poplular Monthly Event

We post the monthly Books & Bars gatherings held at the Aster Cafe under the Events section, but as of yet we haven't had the chance to enjoy one.  Karen Runyon, a Mill District neighbor, was at the July 12 event and provided us with some pictures and feedback.

From Karen Runyon:

The patio was full, 80+ people to discuss the Harry Potter series. All ages, teens to grandmothers. Some very passionate readers, great food and drink (the Aster made a butter beer for the occasion), and a spirited facilitator.

Passersby stood outside the patio listening for various lengths of time.

Jeff Kamin moderates these events, as seen below.

Thank you for the review and pictures, Karen!  We welcome contributions from our readers, it's easy - send us an email with a picture and a short (or long) description or story.

Mill City Farmers Market July 16th

July 16: Minnesota's 1st Sustainable Ag Day!

Celebrate it at the Mill City Farmers Market where we are overwhelmed with the abundance of summer's harvests: sustainable fruits and veggies, pasture-raised meats, poultry, eggs and cheese; artisan chocolates, breads and treats. It's easy to fill your pantry needs at the Market, so don't forget your grocery list!

Produce Planner

At the Market this Saturday, you will find: 

Blueberries, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, collards, zucchini, summer squash, beets, salad turnips, potatoes and much, much more!

Mill City Cooks, 10am

Chef Nick Schneider welcomes Mae Lee from Mhonpaj's Garden to Mill City Cooks to talk about Hmong agri- and culinary culture.

Discover You Can!

Stop by to enter a raffle for a Ball Home Canning Discovery Kit and learn more about upcoming canning demos, classes and CONTESTS at the Market!

Meet Your Vegetables, 9 am - 1 pm

Have a tasty sample of an easy recipe for Early Roots and take home nutrition facts for your family!

Art Market, All Day

Featuring The Ink Orchard, Hmong ABC, Ceramics by Tom Jaszczak and Heather Wang, and Woodsport

Live Performance, 10 am

Minnesota Bright Stars Youth Dancers

Live Music, 11 am - 1 pm

The eclectic improv musical group, Skysong

CANCELED DUE TO STATE SHUTDOWN: Tonight - Mill City Live: Outdoor Music Series at Mill City Museum

Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 2nd Street South

Fee: $5 per person; includes admission to Mill City Museum. Free for MHS members.

Performers: Flamin' Oh's

The Twin Cities’ most explosive outdoor concert series is back for an eighth season with a slate of bands curated by music writer Jim Walsh. Featuring legendary performers from the heyday of the Minneapolis sound, these concerts will riff on American music in a gorgeous riverfront setting every Thursday from July 7 through Aug. 18. Admission includes the concert and entrance to the museum from 4 to 9 p.m. Food and drink by D’Amico Catering available for purchase.

Time Lapse Video of Metrodome Roof Being Inflated [Video]

Thanks to The Journal Blog for finding this one:

Blimp Hovering Over Metrodome While Roof Being Inflated [Photos]

Taken earlier this morning:

[Photos] Metrodome Roof Being Inflated

Just caught these of the Metrodome being inflated.  It rises again!

Inflated

Half Inflated

Deflated

New Patient Feedback on Bierbrauer Chiropractic

Although we've published a Mill District Business Spotlight on Bierbrauer Chiropractic, and posted numerous articles from Dr. Bierbrauer under the Mill City Tmes Fitness Blog, I haven't had to seek chiropractic care - until now.  

I made an appointment with Dr. Bierbrauer hoping to get relief from neck pain, and I wasn't disappointed.  The entire experience - from getting set up as a new patient thru the initial consultation and session - was easy, efficient and relaxing. 

He sent me home with printouts of simple daily exercises that will counter the strain caused by too many hours slouched over a keyboard.  I'll also be replacing the office chair I've been using since 1996 and make an honest effort to sit up straight. 

Gone are the old days of setting up a series of follow up appointments.  With Dr. Bierbrauer, he asks that you do the exercises, take whatever other corrective action was discussed, and call him if there are follow up questions or things aren't improving. 

Another nice benefit is the Bierbrauer Chiropractic website - it's packed with scads of helpful info.  If you've been considering chiropractic care, I would highly recommend making an appointment.